South Gate police pursuit ends in North Long Beach, prompts road closures

LONG BEACH >> A South Gate police robbery suspect pursuit ended in North Long Beach Thursday morning, prompting street closures as police conducted a search.

The chase began after officers responded to reports of a suspicious man at a Target store at 5700 Firestone Blvd. in South Gate, said police Lt. Frank Rivera. Surveillance video shows the man exiting through a rear door of the store, “carrying items he clearly had not paid for,” Rivera said.

He fled in what police believe was a getaway vehicle parked outside the rear door, he said, adding that police found the car was stolen.

Officers at the scene followed the vehicle, beginning a pursuit that ended in the area of 64th Street and Cherry Avenue in North Long Beach where the suspect fled on foot.

Officers were not able to determine which direction the suspect fled, Rivera said. The suspect is still at large, but the stolen items were recovered.

Long Beach police assisted in setting up a containment and shutting down southbound Cherry Avenue from 64th to East Harding streets, and 64th Street between Cherry and Rose avenues.

The streets have been reopened to traffic, according to Long Beach police.

The suspect was described only as a man in his 20s wearing a hoodie.

Anyone with information on the suspect is urged to call the South Gate Police Department at 323-563-5436.